23 Apr 2012

NZ Maori Hockey side seeks separate status

6:46 am on 23 April 2012

New Zealand Maori hockey will vie to be recognised as a separate national team when New Zealand and international hockey leaders meet next weekend.

The New Zealand Maori Hockey team is made up of players of Maori descent, with players often moving on to compete for the national Black Sticks squad.

NZ Maori Hockey chairman Kahu Ripia says his players want to be able to represent the Maori team at an international level.

He says members are frustrated, and are questioning the right of Hockey New Zealand to separate the players altogether and prevent them being recognised on an international stage.

Mr Ripia says he'll speak to representatives of the Federation of International Hockey at the New Zealand Hockey annual general meeting in Wellington next weekend about whether his team can champion as a separate national team.